Suspension device



v Aug. 4, Q WERNER SUSPENSION DEVICE Filed oct. 3o, 1928 INVENTOR 05m/M0755 Patented u'g. 4, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT-l QFFICE f` n OsoAP. WERNER, OP sOUTII BEND, INDIANA, AssIGNOn To WESTINGIIOUSE sa MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OE PENNSYLVANIA SUSPENSION ,DEVICE Application mea october 30,",1928. *serial No. aiaoss;

My invention relates to suspension devices and has particular relation to a self-locking suspension device.

An Obj ect of myl invention is to provide suspension mea-ns for an energy-translating device such that the energy-translating'device may be quickly and readily engaged With and disengaged from the supporting means.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the above-mentioned character which ensures that the energy-translating device shall be deenergized or disconnected before the device may be removed from its support.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device which may be automatically locked in place on the suspension means by making connection with energy-conducting means disposed in thesupporting member.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device Which is simple, durable, dependable and inexpensive and which permits of quick replacement of the energy-translat-k ing device.

In practicing my invention, I provide, as one embodiment thereof, a hooked suspension member having al plug receptacle disposed therein in such manner that, when a lighting unit or the like having a plug and flexible connector is disposed on the hook and the plug inserted in the receptacle, the opening of the hook is closed. Thus, among *otherv fea tures, a .device manufactured according to my invention cannot be disengaged. from the Support Without removal of the connector and consequent deenergization of the lighting unit or other energy-translating device.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like parts, Figure 1 is a side elevational View of my device, as utilized in connection with a conduit box or the like.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View of the def.

vice shown in Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a'. side elevational viewof myl de*v vice, as utilized in connection With a chainsuspended fixture. v The form of mydevice shown in Fig. 1

comprises a hook member 1, Which may be fastened to the cover portion Q, of an outletA box or the like, or may be fastened to a conduit 3 forcarrying electrical connectors 4. The base of the hookfl is so proportioned `and disposed as to provide a space in `which alplug receptacle 5 of the usual type may be insert-l ed. The plug receptacle is disposed adjacent tothe' Vopening of the hook in such manner that, ifa connector, such as a plug 6, is insert'- ed in the receptacle, the opening of the hook'is closed.

An energy-translating device, such asa lighting unit 7, is provided with an eye member 8 Which is adapted to engage the hook 1 When the lighting unit is to be suspended from the suspension device. i

A flexible electricalconnector 11, to which the plu 6 is connected, is adapted to be threade through a nipple member 12 of the lighting unit. f v As has been explained, when the plug 6 is inserted in receptacle 5, the opening of the `hook is so nearly closed that the lighting unit may not be removed'from the hook Without removing the plug, thus breaking the electrical circuit and deenergizing the lighting unit.

'l A modification of my device shown in 3 utilizesY a chain 13 from which lthe hook member 14 and lighting unit 7 are suspended.

Conductors 15 are threaded through the links mannerfusual 'inhouse Wiring. y

u.It'lisapparent thatthe'lighting unit or other energy-translating `device will not become accidentally disengaged from the rsuspension member so long as the lighting unit is electrically connected to the conductors 4. Another advantage of my invention is that, in engaging the energy-translating device, the mechanical supporting` connection is of the chain and into the canopy '16 inthe Ward." This permits the operator to be reing and breaking the, electrical connection.

The mechanical connection may be made in almost any position of the energy-translating devicebecause thehook is loosely enf lieved of the Weight of the fixture while `maky l gaged by the eye. Further, the connection permits the suspended device to swing when struck, thereby furnishing the equivalent of made first and the electrical connection after-A ,90d

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a swivel connection and minimizing the chances of injury to the suspended device.

It may be readily understood that lighting units or the like, when suspended according to my invention, may be readily disengaged'from their supports for cleaning and servicing and replacement units .readily suspended in place of the units which are being serviced. My invention, therefore, makes possible a new system :for Servicing li hting units and the like in that a number 'ospa-re units may be utilized and the spare or replacement units may be substituted for the unit which is to be serviced, The units to be serviced may be readily disengaged and brought to alocation where they may be cleaned and :these units may then be utilized as replacement units.

While I have shown my device in connection with lighting units or the like and have shown it as utilized with an electrical connector, it is apparent that the device may be greatly modified, as, for instance, by the substitution of a heating unit, a motor yor the like, or the device may be utilized in connection with an energy-conducting structure, such as an air hose or the like. Such modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope rof my invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

l. In a lighting fixture, a suspension ymeans having a. hook portion and a plug receptacle disposed on the hook adjacent to :the opening of the hook, a lighting unit `provided with an eye portion to engage the hook, and a plugand-electrical-connector means electrically connected to the lighting unit and so disposedras to partly close the opening of thehook when connected in the plug receptacle. 2. In a lighting fixture, a suspension means comprising a hook portion and a receptacle for4 electrical connection disposed on the hook adjacent to the opening of the hook, a. lighting unit provided with an eye portion to engage Vthe hook, and electrical connecting means electrically connected to the lighting unit and'so disposed as to partly close the opening of the hook when connected to the receptacle.

3. A suspended device carrying a plug, a suspension device comprising a hook member having a plug receptacle disposed on the hook and adjacent to the entrance thereof, said device being so constructed and 'arranged that the entrance to the `hook is mechanically partly closed when the plug is inserted inthe receptacle.

In testimony whereof, I have :hereunto subscribed my name this 5th -day `of October,

OSG-AR WERNER. 

